The Challenge

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Volvo Trucks faced significant challenges in managing the high energy demands at their 10 charging plazas in the Netherlands. With limited grid capacity at several locations, the risk of exceeding grid limits was a constant concern.

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Each site had varying energy needs, from charging e-trucks and staff vehicles to powering maintenance equipment, creating additional complexity. To further complicate matters, Volvo sought to integrate solar energy at certain locations, adding variability to the power supply. Balancing these diverse energy demands while maintaining reliable charging operations required an advanced and flexible solution.

Background

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Volvo Trucks Netherlands is a leader in the electric truck market, known for advancing sustainable transportation solutions and offering a comprehensive range of electric trucks tailored for both local and long-haul operations. Floading, a strategic partner of FLEXECHARGE, specializes in deploying advanced DC charging technologies and smart energy management systems. By integrating the HARMON-E platform, Floading enables seamless and efficient charging solutions for various industries, supporting the growing demand for electric mobility.

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The Solution

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To address the grid limitations and high energy demands at Volvo Trucks' 10 locations in the Netherlands, Floading deployed FLEXECHARGE's HARMON-E platform. It enabled seamless load balancing, ensuring efficient use of grid power and solar energy.

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The system dynamically allocates power based on real-time needs, optimizing the charging of both e-trucks and staff vehicles without exceeding grid capacity. By prioritizing essential operations and integrating solar energy where available, the tailored solution allowed Volvo to maintain uninterrupted charging operations across all sites.

The Benefits

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The integration of FLEXECHARGE’s HARMON-E platform at Volvo Trucks' sites significantly enhanced operational efficiency and grid stability. Key features like Peak Load Reduction and Building + PV Integration allowed for effective energy management, minimizing operational costs while optimizing the use of renewable energy. This smart system not only bolstered Volvo’s sustainability initiatives but also ensured a reliable and adaptable charging infrastructure.

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The Results

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• Grid Efficiency: The HARMON-E platform helped Volvo manage energy demand without exceeding grid capacity, ensuring reliable charging even during peak times.
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• Increased Use of Renewable Energy: By integrating solar power through Building + PV Integration, Volvo maximized renewable energy usage, supporting its sustainability goals.
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• Operational Reliability: The smart load management system ensured that all vehicles, from e-trucks to staff cars, were fully charged and ready, maintaining operational efficiency.
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• Environmental Impact: The solution contributed to Volvo’s environmental objectives by reducing carbon emissions and dependency on the grid.
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• Customer Satisfaction: Volvo’s charging plazas operated smoothly, improving customer satisfaction and setting a new standard for efficient and sustainable energy management in the industry.